Singapore Airlines switches to sustainable aviation fuel use

Singapore Airlines has ordered 1,000 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from refiner Neste, which is the airlines’s first purchase of low-carbon jet fuel from the Finland-based refinery.

Under a joint statement, Neste will blend the SAF with conventional jet fuel according to the required safety specifications, and deliver the blended jet fuel to Changi Airport’s fuel hydrant system in two batches – one in the second quarter and the other in the fourth quarter of this year.

Neste's Singapore refinery is the world's largest production facility for jet fuel made from waste materials, with annual SAF capacity of up to 1 million metric tonnes.

Neste’s SAF, which is made from 100% renewable waste and residue raw materials, reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% over the fuel’s life cycle. Blended with conventional jet fuel, it seamlessly integrates with existing aircraft engines and fuelling infrastructure.

Alexander Kueper, Vice President Renewable Aviation at Neste, said that the supply of locally produced SAF to Changi Airport is a milestone in the journey of supporting the aviation industry and governments in the region to achieve their emissions reduction goals. He said he hopes this will encourage the wider adoption of SAF across the broader Asia Pacific region.

In February, Singapore said it will require airlines departing from the country to gradually use low-carbon jet fuel from 2026, as part of an industry emissions-cutting plan. Airlines will have to use a jet fuel mix of 1% SAF by 2026, gradually increasing to 3-5% by 2030. SAF could account for up to 50% of the jet fuel mix, but is three to five times more expensive than regular jet fuel and authorities will impose taxes on airline tickets to help reduce costs.